6 September. 2007 | The Westland Eagle – The Journal Newspapers

CITY FUNDS DESIGN STUDY

Meghan Chatham – Staff Writer

The long-term look and feel of businesses along Ford Road will be the central focus of planners in upcoming months.

The Westland Downtown Development Authority (DDA) sent out a request for proposals to area planning firms in an effort to contract for a study of Ford Road between Central City Parkway and Wayne Road. The goals of the project would be to improve the type and quality of merchandise and services available and to improve the district visually.

At their last meeting on Aug. 23, the DDA board voted unanimously to award a contract to planning firm McKenna and Associates for the creation of a design concept plan.

According to Lori Fodale, chairperson of the Westland DDA as well as president and CEO of the Westland Chamber of Commerce, the decision to go with McKenna was made easier because of their reputation for successfully aiding area communities with similar projects.

“They provided the whole package for us,” she said. “They’re very well known.”

Among other things, she said, McKenna has been instrumental in the redevelopment of midtown Taylor, Main Street in Novi, and downtown Ferndale. Funding for the study was included in the DDA budget for the current year.

Now, city officials hope that the planners at McKenna can help Westland undergo a similar revitalization.

“This stretch area of Ford Road is in the heart of Westland and arguably our city’s most traveled thoroughfare,” said Westland Mayor Bill Wild. “This area offers immense opportunities for redevelopment, and this plan will be the driving force in spurring economic development in downtown Westland.”

Wild said that McKenna will do an evaluation of existing conditions and a market analysis to help the city craft economic development strategy. After that portion of the study is complete, researchers will meet with everyone with an interest in the matter—from officials and business owners to residents—for a ‘charrette’ in which they will be able to provide feedback and offer suggestions.

“It’s kind of like a visioning session,” said Fodale.

Work is slated to begin on the redevelopment plan and design study in the near future, she said, with a completion date about six months after that. Proponents suggest that the plan could not only help the city create a greater variety and caliber of goods and services available and upgrade the appearance of the area, but could also help improve the confidence of financiers and help the area attract and retain businesses.

“They’re going to start making us think outside the box,” said Wild.

The bottom line, he said, is that the advanced planning will pay off for the community in the long run.

“As the economy slows down, we’re kind of doing our homework,” said Wild.

“We’re going to, hopefully, be ahead of the curve when it picks back up.”